Lily Agg on heading Ireland into the World Cup play-off: ‘I wanted to cry, scream. I need to keep pinching myself’

Lily Agg (left) celebrating the win over Finland with Diane Caldwell

Lily Agg (left) celebrating the win over Finland with Diane Caldwell Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

Macdara Ferris reports from Tallaght Stadium

The jubilation at the final whistle on the pitch with Ireland securing a 2023 World Cup play-off was clear for all to see.

There were hugs, tears and dancing and when the playing squad, management and back-room staff gathered in a huddle on the Tallaght turf, the Ireland skipper Katie McCabe’s words were captured by the FAI camera.

The Arsenal player said: “We have a f__ing play-off. I’m so proud of each and every one of you and the players that are at home like Savannah (McCarthy) injured. This is the team shift that got us here and by the head of an Englishwomen!”

McCabe’s final line came with a smile as she pointed to Lily Agg to the cheers from all around her in the huddle as it was the former England under-age international, now representing the country of her grandmother from Cobh, who scored the winner. 

In what was just her third international cap, the substitute scored her second international goal – one that proved to be pivotal in getting Ireland to the women’s World Cup play-off.

It was over an hour after the final whistle when Agg spoke with the media. She was still in her match kit and she still had a wide grin on her face admitting she couldn’t quite wrap her head around an evening when her header was the match winner.

"It was surreal, an unbelievable experience,” said the 28-year-old midfielder. “I'm not prepared for this! I'm so delighted.

"It felt like it was in the air for ages,” she said about getting the touch on Megan Connolly’s free kick from deep.“I don't know how I found myself so free. I could kind of feel the keeper was coming but I just focused on the flight of the ball. It hit my head and it went in.”



Denise O’Sullivan spoke after the game about Agg’s crucial contribution to the result – with the London City Lionesses midfielder winning the player of the match award. 

“That header was unbelievable,” said O’Sullivan. “Apart from the goal, I thought she was fantastic when she came onto the pitch. She really drove the team. I think she broke up the play and was really composed on the ball. She was class.”

Agg had come on with 41 minutes on the clock to replace Ruesha Littlejohn who struggled in the opening half of the game having picked up an early foot injury (and she is now out of the trip to Slovakia on Tuesday).

“I was ready to play one minute if I was needed, no minutes, stay on the bench - whatever was needed,” said London City Lionesses player. “I was very nervous to be fair when Ruesha (needed treatment). I warmed up two or three times because she had gone down. I was like, 'it's me, I've got to get ready, I’m going on'. 

“I tried to zone out and focus on the team task. Vera just gave me the instructions of picking up their number four, staying with her, staying defensive and sticking to the team plan. I'm delighted it worked."



Agg spoke about the inspiration of her grandmother and how she had support from family and friends in the ground on Tuesday for her first home appearance in a green jersey.

“My grandma is not here with us but she'll definitely be watching over me. I think she has every step of the way. I've had nothing but great luck and I owe that to her. My partner came over and two of my friends. 

“My mum was going to come with everyone but the expense of the hotels, plus I wasn't sure what role I might play. My mum is going to have the worst regrets, but it was still very nice to have my partner and friends over."

And her own reaction at the final whistle? “I was just screaming! Everyone was screaming in my ear. To hear the stadium and everyone going crazy... it's a night I'll never forget."

"Honestly it's such a special group. The girls, the staff, everyone has made me feel so welcome. It's emotional. I wanted to cry, scream...I need to keep pinching myself. Ultimately all these girls and the staff deserve it. I'm so excited for the future of this team."

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile